12. Research the USGBC website – ask around

The USGBC wants you to succeed – they happen to want you to be in compliance too. They are pushing the market in a new direction and by signing up you are agreeing that direction is a good one – you are advocating the same thing. Because they want you to succeed they have tools and resources on their website for you to use. These include a breakdown of all the LEED rating systems, LEED projects that have been successful in the pass, sample presentations on why to build green and green building benefits, and many other useful tools and information on green building.

A new addition to the wealth of assets provided by USGBC is a new LEED online tool. Once a project is registered its status can be followed by all team members using the online template. Consultants, owners, project managers, architects, or any individual involved in the LEED process can see how many credits the project has qualified for and how many more it needs to reach the desired certification level. This great tool solves a previously serious problem, lack of transparency throughout the process and keeps all team members’ expectations firmly rooted in reality. It also helps keep the project on budget and on time.

Research the USGBC website and CIR’s - get involved in your local chapter to find contractors or people who know and understand the system. They may also be able to provide you with contacts to successfully complete the mission.

–The EBS Team–